German-based Gerresheimer provides glass containers for primary parenteral packaging, such as ampoules, vials or prefillable syringes. Glass owes its popularity as a material for pharmaceutical containers to a long list of desirable characteristics. It is durable, inert, clean and transparent. However, even the best material is challenged from time-to-time - often just to prove that there is no superior alternative. Gerresheimer is examining the issue of "delamination" - a much-discussed issue - as new, highly efficient but aggressive drug products set increased demands on pharmaceutical glass. To this end, Gerresheimer has started a comprehensive study to identify the root causes of delamination. The company is 18 months into a comprehensive study to identify the root causes of delamination and to develop appropriate countermeasures. This article reports on the results so far.
